Plex Server Web UI Fails to Launch (Infinite Spinning Circle) on macOS

Plex Media Server
,
9

@aiqbal - In case you’re still stuck, I tested this out and got PMS to install on my M1 Studio with the current macOS.

I faced the same problems as you, the spinner and failing to launch Setup. I overcame them following this procedure I copied from my previous bug report and updated:

Steps to Uninstall PMS for Mac

  • Prerequisite (makes life easier) - have a working Plex for Mac installed, the client player.
  • run delpms.sh a script I’ve posted to the forums a few times.
  • In Plex For Mac click into the wrench icon Settings → Authorized Devices → Server and remove any left over PMS for Mac if it’s listed.
  • quit out of Plex for Mac.
  • Empty Mac trash.
  • In Safari close any tabs and do History → Clear History → All History → Clear History
  • Restart the Mac → Reopen windows not checked

Steps to then Install PMS for Mac

  • Extract PMS from the zip and drop it into /Applications.
  • Start Safari and (⇧⌘N) to open a new Private Window.
  • Close the non-private window.
  • Double click the Plex Media Server app in /Applications
  • Accept the popup message telling macOS that you want to run PMS which was downloaded from the Internet.
  • Accept the popup message allowing PMS to find devices on the local network.
  • Dismiss the Notifications popup for now. You can allow them later if you desire.
  • PMS runs and Safari loads the Plex Sign-in page.
  • Sign in to your Plex account by choosing Continue with Email, entering the username & password and clicking Sign-In
  • Here is where the install goes awry as Safari tries to load
    • app.plex.tv/desktop/#!/server/1234758590abcdefghijklmnopqrs/await which is not a functional URL for this procedure on macOS.
    • you also see Initializing Plex Media Server and the dreaded spinner.
    • but if you look up at the right side of the URL bar, you don’t see an X as if it’s loading.
    • Don’t panic. You are one step away from making this work.
    • The spinner may eventually stop with an error message “Something went wrong,” but you don’t have to wait for that.
  • The correct URL you need to visit is as follows:
    • Click into the URL bar in the same tab and change it to say only this by typing it in:
    • http://127.0.0.1:32400/web
    • then hit the Return key to visit that page.
  • You will see a message “Plex Web would like to sign in to your Plex account” so click the orange “Sign In” button.
  • Then Safari will load the first PMS Setup screen “How Plex Works” where you click the Got It! button
  • Congratulations. The hard part is over. On the next Setup page,
    • give your server a name
    • uncheck the remote access box for now. set it up later if you desire.
    • Click the Next button and continue by adding your media.

Caveats

  • Safari can be slow to load plex.tv when in private browsing mode, but after PMS for Mac is installed, you can switch to non-private.